It was a win to savour for Galway United last Friday night and they will have had 16 days to do so by the time they next taste action in the league.
The uneven calendar has been a hot topic in the league this season. The progress of St.Pat’s and Shamrock Rovers in Europe caused considerable consternation for the league.
Yet, there are unlikely to have been sleepless nights in Abbottstown about the fact that after going 16 days without a game, United will then play four games in 11 days.
With only seven games total remaining, the game on Monday week against Rovers will sound the starting gun for the run-in.
There will be a couple of revealing encounters before this game. Rovers will take on their Sligo namesakes the Friday previous. The perceived wisdom was that the Tallaght side’s quality would out, and they would make their move to at least clinch third.
Yet on Sunday, another damaging derby defeat in Dalymount Park proved that Rovers are in the scrap with Waterford, Sligo and United.
It is a fascinating season with all sides locked in some form of battle. Either Derry or Shels will fall over the line at the top. Dundalk or Drogheda United will pull off a great escape, the other will be in a good position to do likewise via a playoff. Bohs will want another couple of points to ensure safety. Pat’s will not have given up hope on a late charge for Europe.
There is then the added dimension of an FAI Cup in which only 2 of the top 7 remain at the quarter-final stage. Derry and Shels square off on Saturday week.
There is a plausible scenario that could see the Maroon Army descend on the Aviva Stadium in November to cheer on one of those sides in red and white. This is because if United are indeed to finish fourth, they will need one of the top two to win the cup to advance to Europe.
These may all be giddy thoughts, but a unique opportunity presents itself this season. Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and St. Patrick’s Athletic have all underperformed this season relative to their investments. This is unlikely to recur.
The sense is that Galway United have gotten the best out of themselves to be in this position. This has cultivated a genuine bond between the team and the fans. The United faithful see the spirit of their heroes of yesteryear in this side.
This energy will have to be harnessed and sustained over the run-in. The United side is settled and unchanged in the last four, however it is unlikely that will last for the next four.
Rob Slevin and David Hurley gave a reminder of their quality, coming off the bench against Derry. This type of impact will be needed as United try to navigate a difficult run.
Simply stated Shamrock Rovers have some of the best talent in the league with the likes of Neil Farrugia, Jack Byrne, Graham Burke and Danny Mandroiu. United will need to make it unpleasant for players of their ilk.
They then host title-chasing Shels at home before trips to Drogheda (Monday ) and Waterford (Friday ). It is a tall order, but none of these sides will relish their appointment with Galway United.
After years of being overly accommodating to visitors, Terryland is an uncomfortable trip for visiting teams. On the road, United are no longer compliant guests. As such, they are on course for their best finish in 30 years.
